Fri Oct 11 13:07:48 UTC 2024: ## Durga Ashtami 2024: Worship Maa Maha Gauri for Prosperity and Happiness

**New Delhi:** Hindu devotees across India are celebrating Durga Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, by worshipping Maa Maha Gauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga.

According to religious beliefs, worshipping Maha Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva, brings prosperity, peace, and happiness into one’s life. It is believed that worshipping her eliminates life’s troubles and grants blessings of joy, serenity, and wealth. Unmarried women also seek her blessings for finding their ideal partner.

Maha Gauri is described as a radiant goddess, with fair skin and adorned in white attire. She is depicted with four arms, holding a trishool (trident), an abhayamudra (gesture of reassurance), a damaru (hand drum), and a varamudra (gesture of blessing). She rides a bull, hence her name “Vrishaaroodha”.

Devotees observe fasts on this day, perform special prayers, and chant Maha Gauri’s mantra: “Om Devi Mahagauryai Namaha.”

**The Story of Maha Gauri:**

The Devi Bhagavata Purana narrates that during her intense penance, Goddess Parvati (Maha Gauri’s previous form) lived on roots, fruits, and leaves and later even survived on just air. Her austerity earned her immense radiance, leading to her being named Maha Gauri. Impressed by her devotion, Lord Shiva asked her to bathe in the holy Ganges. As she entered the river, two forms emerged – one darker, known as Kaushiki, and the other, radiant like the moon, known as Maha Gauri.

**Rituals and Significance:**

Offering coconut to Maha Gauri is a significant practice on Ashtami. Those who haven’t observed the complete Navratri fast can still seek the goddess’s blessings by fasting on the eighth day.

Durga Ashtami marks a pivotal moment in the nine-day Navratri festival, as devotees seek the blessings of Maa Maha Gauri for a prosperous and fulfilling life.

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